Exploit kit

Classification

Exploit:JS/RigEK, Exploit:js/nuclearek, Exploit:js/huanjuanek, ExpKit

Summary

An exploit kit is a toolkit which can probe for and run exploit code that takes advantage of vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access or control of a computer or device.

Removal

The F-Secure security product will automatically remove the file.

A False Positive is when a file is incorrectly detected as harmful, usually because its code or behavior resembles known harmful programs. A False Positive will usually be fixed in a subsequent database update without any action needed on your part. If you wish, you may also:

Check for the latest database updates
First check if your F-Secure security program is using the latest updates, then try scanning the file again.
Submit a sample
After checking, if you still believe the file is incorrectly detected, you can submit a sample of it for re-analysis.
Note: If the file was moved to quarantine, you need to collect the file from quarantine before you can submit it.
Exclude a file from further scanning
If you are certain that the file is safe and want to continue using it, you can exclude it from further scanning by the F-Secure security product.
Note: You need administrative rights to change the settings.

Technical Details

Exploit kits are a form of 'crimeware' - a specialized utility program that is created and sold to facilitate illegal computer-related activity.

Each exploit kit has a library or collection of exploits that it can use to target vulnerabilities in different types of computers, devices, programs and so on. They are also usually designed so that their library can be updated easily whenever new exploits are released for recently discovered vulnerabilities. This makes it easy for the kit's operators to keep up-to-date and effective.

Probing for and exploiting vulnerabilities

Exploit kits are often planted by attackers on a webpage, where they can silently probe the computer or device of any visitor that views the page. The webpage may either be deliberately created by an attacker to contain the exploit kit, or it may be a legitimate page that was compromised by an attacker who then injected the kit onto it.

When a user views the webpage, the exploit kit silently probes their computer or device to see if it has any vulnerabilities that the kit can target with one of the exploits in its library. If one is found, the kit will launch the appropriate exploit for it.

If the exploit successfully compromises the user's computer or device, the exploit kit then proceeds with its actual payload, which may range from installing components on the affected system, stealing data and so on.

Examples of exploit kits include AnglerEK, Fiesta, Styx, SweetOrange, Archie and Astrum. For more information on these kits: